The Public Dental Service (PDS) is struggling to deal with even the basic treatment needs of its patients, it has been claimed.

Currently in Ireland, 350 dentists work in the PDS and they see more than 250,000 children every year. They also care for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the public, such as those with intellectual disabilities, older people and young people in the care of the HSE.

However, according to Frances O'Callaghan, president of the HSE Dental Surgeons Group, the pressure on public dentists has led to a huge jump in waiting lists.

She noted that while the service continues to lose staff - and these are not replaced as a result of the current recruitment embargo - the number of patients requiring services continues to grow.

"We are seeing evidence on a daily basis of increased levels of untreated dental disease among our patients and this is a huge concern for our members. Staff levels have fallen to the point that our ability to deal with the basic treatment needs of our patients is now critically compromised," Ms O'Callaghan, who works in the Dublin South East/Wicklow HSE area, said.

She pointed out that more and more patients are now presenting with pain and infection and in some cases, they require complex treatments and even hospital admission.

"Waiting lists for treatment under general anaesthesia, orthodontics and oral surgery are continuing to mount due to the lack of resources," she noted.

She insisted that because of the pressure on the PDS, the ability of dentists to treat children and special needs groups is being undermined. She also pointed out that morale among dentists is at an all time low.

She said that while the HSE has a duty of care to its patients, it also has ‘a significant duty of care to the welfare of its employees'.

"The HSE needs to step up and fulfill its obligations to both," she added.

Ms O'Callaghan made her comments at the recent annual conference for HSE dental surgeons in Carlow.